The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ibrahim Waheed has reaffirmed President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to addressing the issues faced by young people living in the Atolls.
Speaking to PSM News, the Minister who is part of the high-level delegation accompanying the President on his three-day tour of the Huvadhu Atoll said President Muizzu’s policies are refreshingly different to his predecessors.
The Minister said, in the past, Presidents only visited the islands during election campaigns or for official ceremonies. In contrast, President Muizzu since assuming office just over a year ago has been regularly visiting the islands to listen and address the concerns of the people, he added.
Ibrahim Waheed noted that the majority of young people in the Atolls wish for employment opportunities in their respective islands without having to migrate in search of employment.
"The President is addressing a lot of youth issues, especially the needs of. The youth are most concerned about jobs. They need ways to find work in their islands. The President is finding those ways through his efforts to empowering people in the Atolls," he said.
The Minister said young people need sports, recreation and fitness facilities in the islands but the existing facilities in most islands are in disrepair, adding that the President has given special emphasis to renovate and re-equip these facilities through this year’s State budget.